Bedrock and Boston Dynamics Started Robot Dog Tests

The companies have launched a trial in downtown Detroit using robot dogs to test automated litter collection.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Robotics

An autonomous four-legged robotic dog navigates a cracked concrete sidewalk in front of a weathered brick urban facade. — Bedrock and Boston Dynamics have initiated trials in downtown Detroit to test the effectiveness of autonomous robot dogs for urban litter collection tasks. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you feel the presence of autonomous service robots in your downtown area is beneficial?

Bedrock and Boston Dynamics have initiated testing of Spot, a robot dog platform, in downtown Detroit. The project will evaluate the robots for their ability to perform cleanup tasks in urban environments.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to address labor-intensive tasks by utilizing autonomous technology for work that is classified as dirty, dangerous, or tedious. By testing in a live urban setting, developers hope to prove that the platforms can safely navigate human spaces.

The Spot platform uses autonomous mobile sensing to navigate environments designed for humans, including scaling stairs and clearing doorways. Robots will be equipped with a robotic arm specifically designed for litter collection.

The players

Bedrock

Bedrock is a full-service commercial real estate firm that manages numerous properties and development projects in downtown Detroit.

Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics is a robotics company known for developing highly mobile and agile robots like the Spot platform.

Spot

Spot is an agile mobile robot developed by Boston Dynamics that can be customized with various sensors and attachments for diverse industrial tasks.

The details

The robots are currently operating in a supervised test mode to assess their agility and effectiveness in public spaces. Successful trials will lead to broader deployment in live environments.

Preparation for the project took place over a period of 6 to 8 months.
Testing for litter pickup is scheduled to begin on October 14, 2026.
The testing phase will continue with oversight over the next few months.

The Tech Race

This project represents a significant shift toward autonomous urban maintenance, moving beyond the factory floors where robots have historically operated. It follows the pattern set by the Spot autonomous mobile robot platform to automate physical tasks.

Residents of downtown Detroit may see the robotic platforms navigating sidewalks and stairs during the upcoming testing phase. This technology could eventually lead to more efficient municipal or private cleanup services in high-traffic areas.

The takeaway

The deployment of autonomous platforms in downtown Detroit marks a practical step toward integrating robotics into everyday municipal maintenance. Observers should monitor how these machines handle the unpredictable nature of public pedestrian spaces during the test phase.